Who Taught You About Pleasure? Laura Ramadei on Adult Media and Performance | Episode 18

Today in The Lab, we sit down with Laura Ramadei, SHA certified s//xologist, s//xuality coach, writer, and host of the feminist comedy podcast Girls on P//rn. Laura shares how reviewing adult media through an intersectional feminist lens led her into s//xology and why conversations about p//rnography, pleasure, and media literacy are more important than ever. Together, we explore how adult media has become the default s//x educator for many people, what it gets wrong about intimacy, and how unrealistic expectations around performance leave so many people disconnected from their bodies. Laura also shares practical advice for reconnecting with pleasure, communicating with partners, and finding ethical adult content that prioritizes consent, diversity, and authenticity. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Adult media has become the primary source of s//x education for many people, but it often teaches performance instead of pleasure. Great s//x is built on communication, curiosity, and connection—not unrealistic expectations learned from mainstream p//rnography. Reconnecting with your body often requires slowing down, practicing mindfulness, and letting go of the pressure to perform. SHOW SUMMARY: 00:00 – The Biggest Mistake in S//xual Performance 01:51 – Laura Ramadei & The Feminist Perspectives on Ethical Adult Media 05:24 – Progressive S//x Education and "Our Whole Lives 07:43 – Adult Media as Default Education in 2026 10:42 – Comparing P//rnography to Peak Athletic Performance 11:51 – Debunking Myths of Physical Perfection and Sensation 14:34 – Moving Beyond Performative S//xual Scripts 15:28 – The Reality of Org//sm Representation in Media 17:16 – Guide to Ethical and Indie Adult Media Sites 23:22 – Exploring Polyamory and Non-Monogamy Through Writing 26:03 – Diverse Forms of Platonic and K/nky Love 27:03 – Challenges of Digital Censorship and "Algospeak" 34:27 – The Path to Becoming a Certified S//x Coach 37:34 – Addressing Desire, Conflict, and Secret K/nks 41:22 – Impact of Nervous System Regulation on Pleasure 43:52 – Strategies for Transitioning and Grounding with Partners 45:16 – Mindful Mast//rbation for Sensation Reconnection 46:57 – Mental and Emotional Barriers to Org//sm 47:36 – Attunement and Communication Over Techniques 49:57 – Lightning Round: Po//n Habits and Recommended Reading RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show's guests also share their expertise at their events. Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com Sexology Lab Practice Guide: ⁠https://www.sexologylab.com/guide⁠ More from this episode's guest: Girls on P//rn Podcast: https://girlsonporn.com/ Laura Ramadei: https://www.lauraramadei.com/ SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/